Traction

Rubber slat- mats have approximately three times more traction than the concrete slat.

Grooves and tiny perforations along with grooves on the slat-mat improve the traction for the animals while walking and standing and laying down.

Additional traction gives the animals more confidence. It more closely resembles the natural outside environment.2. A sign that they are confident in the grip, would be if they are often seen to be licking or “grooming” themselves as illustrated by this picture.

Step Length

Comparison of cattle’s stride on the concrete slat and the EASYFIXTM slat-rubber showed the following results

on EASYFIX Slat Rubber -mat the stride is 30 3/4”,

on slats the stride is 22”,

on pasture the stride is 31 1/2”.

Void Area

The slat void area is smaller by 2.9%

A narrower void areas on the mats provides for a more even distribution of the animal’s weight on their hooves helping to eliminate lameness.

This smaller void area in the EASYFIX Slat Rubber -mats has a slight gradient. Because of the slight slope on the EASYIFX mats the feces and urine drain away better and keep the cattle cleaner.

Price Difference & Economic Viability

Each Friesian on EASYFIX Slat Rubber mats made on average €37.44 more than their comrades on bare concrete slats.

Economic Viability*:

Are the EASYFIX slat-mats economically viable to the finishing beef farmer?

Price Difference/animal = €37.44/animal

Price Difference/m2 of slat rubber = €17.00/m2

Cost of slat-mats = €55/m2

Number of winters required to earn back investment €55/€17.00 = 3.2

120 day winter

* Economic viability updated based on current prices.

Conclusions

Animals gained more weight on and were cleaner coming off the EASYFIX Slat Rubber mats.

No animals got lame or incurred any stress or injury on the EASYFIX Slat Rubber mats.

Cattle are more confident, livelier and comfortable on the EASYFIX Slat Rubber mats.